IPMS/USA again thanks Ross and his Team at SAC for supporting the IPMS USA reviewer corps with one more of many monthly releases, with extremely useful and well-thought out landing gear additions for the modeling crowd out here in the modeling world. And thanks to IPMS leadership for sending it to me to be reviewed.

Consisting of two (that’s 2!) complete sets of gear, it’s pretty simple. Two main gear struts, two external torque links, and one tail gear. The tail gear is not the standard “Bar and lever” we see on so many early spitfires, but an actual oleo.

This set includes the torque scissors. It can be added as an afterthought to building, thereby preventing one from breaking it off during construction. Test fit into the wing and tail sockets to make sure no cleanup of flash is required, then a touch of superglue or epoxy, wait for the glue to cure, then you are done!

About the Author

Author Mark Walker bought his first VW Beetle at age 16 and has since owned more than 100 Volkswagens. Walker was the owner and operator of several VW restoration companies and has carried out sympathetic restoration and high-quality suspension modifications for magazine feature cars. Mark has written for VolksWorld and Camper & Bus magazines since 2012.

Patina Volkswagens

This book focuses on 1974 or older Volkswagens with original paint, rust, and patina that have recently become more popular than cars restored to show condition. These rare unspoiled survivors tell a story of an interesting and varied past and have inspired a generation of car fanatics that might not be able to afford complete restorations.

The book is packed with excellent color photographs, and text provides insight to the car builders, dealers, celebrities, and hobbyists that have styled these unique cars.

About Hypersonic Models (from the website)

Hypersonic Models are currently located in Sennan City, Osaka prefecture, Japan, and products are manufactured, packed and shipped from there. All items for sale here are original Hypersonic Models' products, we don't act as re-sellers for other brands' or companies' products.

Contents Description

This is a set of aft fuselage half parts that correct the shape error on the engine shoulders of the Zoukei Mura short nose Phantoms. The parts are cast in an olive green resin, with fine recessed detail and panel lines. In addition to the re-shaped geometry, some additional surface detail has been included. This is not a drop-fit replacement set. Cutting of the fuselage is required, as well as some sanding of the remaining kit plastic and then puttying and blending of the new resin parts. Self adhesive cutting guide strips are provided that will mark the precise cutting line and guide your tool.

Points To Ponder

The UMM “Polisander” (a combination of a polisher and a sander) is another unique tool available to the modeling community by UMM. The tool is powered by two AA batteries that are placed into the handle. Batteries are not included in the product. Note that the batteries, as usual, are inserted with one (+) end up and the other (-) end down. There are some indicators molded into the handle showing which battery tray is positive and which is negative.

The product box is small and sturdy, approximately 2x2x7 inches. The contents are bagged in zip-locks baggies, with the handle in one bag and the attachment head in the other. In order to insert the batteries carefully remove the blue base using the two indentions molded into the rim of the base, pushing the base away from the handle, no twisting necessary.

The subtitle of this book is “American Airpower over the Pacific and the Far East, 1941–51”. But it covers much more than this.

This excellent book follows Douglas MacArthur from his education at West Point through his retirement. I really enjoyed some of the “side stories”, such as the fact that Arthur MacArthur, Douglas’ father was friends with Congressman John Mitchell. When Arthur was deployed, Mrs. MacArthur stayed in Milwaukee, where the Mitchells also lived. Douglas was friends with the son Bill, who was later famous as Billy Mitchell, the airpower advocate. The two served together on the Army General Staff. And Douglas MacArthur was on the board of Mitchell’s court martial.